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Thursday, February 12, 2026

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Atletico’s Benitez ready for Manchester United

Interview with Fiamma Benitez by https://www.flashscore.com/, reprinted with kind permission

After a record-breaking season with 11 goals and four assists, Fiamma Benitez has established herself as Atletico Madrid’s number one asset this year.

Before taking on Manchester United in the Champions League play-offs, the young player reflects on her development, how she’s adapted to the demands of European football, and her dream of playing at the Metropolitano as part of a UEFA event.

Flashscore: You have the chance to get your revenge against Manchester United and qualify for the Champions League quarter finals for the first time in a while. How are you feeling about it?

Benitez: "For us, the Champions League is a fantastic competition. We’ve already played Manchester United (we lost 1-0 in the group stage), so we know what it’s like to face them.

"Of course, we’re going in with the mentality to get through this round, to be strong at home, to give everything over both legs, and to reach the quarter finals."

What did you learn from the group stage match against them that you can use this time?

"I think it was a game where we competed really well. We know that, against Manchester United or any team in the Champions League, we can’t afford to give anything away.

"In the end, any mistake can cost you dearly. We’ll also need to take our chances and make the most of the opportunities we create.

"They’re a team that counter-attacks well; they keep the ball, but they also have some very quick players up front. We’ll need to manage all those situations and make as few mistakes as possible."

What have you learned as a player in this Champions League campaign?

"The most important thing for me has been adapting to the "Champions League pace", which forces you to think and act much faster.

"The tempo of the matches is much higher. Individually, as with the team, you have to minimise mistakes.

"You have to think quickly because the game moves so fast, and you need to make a difference for the team whenever you get a chance."

Atletico have been through a tough spell. Do the last two wins help you feel better mentally?

"Yes, definitely. We know the run we were on before and where we are now. Our mentality hasn’t changed: we want to win every match.

"The hard work was already there, but now the wins are coming too, and that’s a real boost for us ahead of facing Manchester United."

What has the new coach (Jose Herrera) changed in your day-to-day life?

"He’s a coach who’s helped us to have a clear vision. He has his own system and style of play, and he’s got that across to us very quickly.

"He gives the squad a lot of confidence. It’s not that we weren’t working hard before, but now things are clicking better. We’re really happy with José and we’re following the staff’s instructions."

Statistically, you’re having your best season (11 goals and four assists). How do you explain that?

"I’m happy with my season, but I always put the team first. I want my team to win, to pick up points, and to win trophies. This season, I’m scoring more and providing more assists, I’m having more of an impact."

You’ve scored four goals and provided three assists in the Champions League. Does this competition bring out the best in you?

"I’m not really sure how to explain it, but I’ve adapted really well to the Champions League. It’s a competition that really motivates me.

"My teammates also make things easier for me. We know that against such strong opponents, you have to be fully focused because there’s no room for mistakes. It’s a competition I really enjoy and savour."

A word about the fans and the atmosphere?

"Our fans are always there for us, and that’s vital. They’re like our 12th player, they give us that extra boost. In the Champions League, the atmosphere is even more special.

"We’ve really felt their support in recent matches, and we’re hugely grateful to them."

Do you think Atletico’s women’s team will play at the Metropolitano one day? You’ve already played there with Spain, but maybe now with the club?

"We hope they’ll open the stadium for us. We’d love to have the chance to play big matches, or any match, there. I think it’s a really special stadium and we’d love that with all our hearts."

What would it mean for the club to be among the top eight teams in Europe?

"For many of us, it’s our first season in the Champions League. We love it, and we don’t want it to end. Our aim is to take Atletico as high as possible, among the very best teams.

"It would be an incredible feeling to be in the top 8, but our ambition goes further: we want to be the best. We have to take it step by step, but we’re working to go as far as we can."